Key facts
- President Donald Trump's net approval rating has fallen to -25.
- US consumer prices may have jumped 4.2% annually in May.
- Inflation reached its highest point in three years in April.
- Congress passed resolutions that could block President Trump from continuing hostilities in Iran.
- A major US city is implementing a surcharge on taxi rides due to rising fuel costs.
- 26% of President Trump's MAGA base opposes placing his face on a proposed $250 bill.
- One-third of Trump voters are unhappy with his handling of Iran and the economy.
- Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Jared Leto, and Adam Sandler declined invitations to a White House UFC event.
- The Cook Political Report moved the Iowa Senate race rating to 'lean Republican'.
- State Rep. Josh Turek secured the Democratic nomination in Iowa with nearly 63% of the vote.
President Donald Trump's net approval rating has fallen to a new low of -25, according to a poll by The Economist/YouGov, with voter concerns centered on the economy and the conflict with Iran. This economic pressure is amplified by inflation, which may have reached a 4.2% annual increase in May, driven by surging oil and gas prices linked to the Iran war. Data indicates inflation hit its highest point in three years in April, contradicting claims from a top economic advisor to Donald Trump that inflation is decreasing. The persistent inflation puts pressure on the Federal Reserve, shifting expectations towards a rate hike. The economic consequences of the Iran conflict, particularly elevated gas prices, are a concern for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections, as global energy markets may take months to normalize even after a resolution. This impact is visible in major U.S. cities, where one is implementing a surcharge on taxi rides due to rising fuel costs, the first increase in base taxi rates in nearly a decade.
In parallel developments, the U.S. Congress has passed resolutions that could block President Trump from continuing hostilities in Iran, marking a significant bipartisan move. Both the House and Senate have advanced these measures, though they face hurdles including a potential presidential veto. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that President Donald Trump is close to appointing a permanent intelligence chief, which could ease concerns jeopardizing the renewal of a key surveillance law.
Despite the broad economic and foreign policy challenges, a portion of President Trump's MAGA base expresses dissatisfaction. A significant portion of his base opposes placing his face on a proposed $250 bill, with 26% opposing and 26% unsure, despite his 91% approval rating among the group, though existing laws prohibit living persons on currency. One-third of Trump voters are reportedly unhappy with his handling of Iran and the economy, challenging the perception of an unmovable base. However, in west-central Ohio, voters still firmly in his camp say he has delivered on key promises. Celebrities, including Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Jared Leto, and Adam Sandler, have declined invitations to a White House UFC Freedom 250 event scheduled by Donald Trump.
Political analysts are also weighing in on the midterm elections. Republican strategist Karl Rove suggested that Democratic advantages in midterm election polls might not translate into a 'blue wave,' referencing a Marquette poll showing a 1-point Democratic advantage. The Cook Political Report has shifted its rating of the Iowa Senate race from 'likely Republican' to 'lean Republican' following State Rep. Josh Turek securing the Democratic nomination with nearly 63% of the vote. The ongoing conflict with Iran and its economic repercussions, particularly gas prices, are seen as potential negative factors for Republican chances in the upcoming midterms.